Ukraine's lawmakers have postponed a debate over a new antidiscrimination law after demonstrators protested outside the parliament in Kyiv.

About 300 protesters gathered in front of the building on May 14, some of them holding up signs saying, "We are the majority, and we are against homosexuals!" and, "No to Homosexuals, Yes to Family, Save Ukraine!"

The protesters also distributed leaflets saying, "the new law will allow the persecution of anyone who expresses his or her negative attitude toward same-sex marriages."

In February, the parliament formally added the draft law to their agenda, which aims to prevent discrimination, including discrimination against sexual minorities.

Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara stated then that the new law was needed as part of a larger deal with the European Union to simplify visa regulations for Ukrainian citizens.